Generally most Zoos require a university degree in biology or a college diploma with equivalent experience in order for you to become a zookeeper. If University is something you want to do then be sure to major in zoology, wildlife or general biology as a bachelors degree will qualify you for almost all keeping positions around the world. This is best done when you are still in school and can accept a lower paying entry level job to get into a zoo.
Most zoos have a student zookeeper program or various entry level jobs doing interpretive work, and even landscaping and maintenance. The goal here is not necessarily to work with animals and become a zookeeper right away, although some student keeper programs let you do just that, the idea is to get a job at a zoo and meet the right people that are going to give you that job! I actually first started out as a maintenance worker at a zoo when I was in university, fixing exhibits and helping in the construction of various outbuildings and features of the zoo.
Working in another department at a zoo may even benefit your zookeeping career by teaching you valuable and transferable skills you can use in your keeping career. For instance, the construction and maintenance skills I acquired from that job are put to use every day maintaining exhibits and building enrichment items for the animals in my care.
Hopefully by working at a zoo already you managed to talk to the keeping staff and even management about your interest in becoming a zookeeper, this will make it a lot easier to get in and stand out as a candidate.
The best way to become a zookeeper is to keep your eye out for a part time position or a maternity leave position as the pool will likely be smaller for these positions which make them perfect for an inexperienced keeper to get the experience they need to achieve full time permanent employment.
Join a professional organization to gain access to educational events and programs and networking opportunities. As you gain work experience, add it to your resume to keep it current. You might include skills you have developed, demonstrations and presentations you give to the public and other responsibilities or achievements. An up-to-date resume makes it easy to quickly apply for job opportunities as they arise.
The Delaware Public Zoo is looking for an energetic and compassionate zookeeper to join the African grassland animal staff. The ideal zookeeper will have previous experience working with exotic animals, with preference given to candidates who have extensive knowledge about or have cared for giraffes, wildebeests, zebras or warthogs.
Find jobs. Company reviews. Find salaries. Upload your resume. Sign in. What does a zookeeper do? Average salary. Common salary in the U. Zookeeper requirements. Zookeeper work environment. How to become a zookeeper. Graduate from high school. Gain relevant experience. You might help raise rare animals born in the zoo or rehabilitate injured animals found in the wild.
Zookeepers also spend time educating the public on conservation and animal adaptations. The job outlook for zookeeper jobs looks promising in the years ahead. According to the U. Bureau of Labor Statistics BLS , the number of jobs for animal care service workers like zookeepers will increase 22 percent by the end of , which is much faster than the estimated growth rate of other occupations combined.
The change will result in 68, projected job openings for animal caretakers. Jobs will be created as workers retire or leave for other positions. People enjoy animals and spend more money on pet care than in the past, which contributes to the steady popularity of zoos and demand for zookeepers. A zookeeper's wages depend on their education and experience level. Those with a higher degree and more experience are likely to make a higher salary. The size, type and location of the facility where they work can affect pay as well.
Here are the steps you need to take to become a zookeeper:. A zookeeper is a highly desired profession, so you'll want to get experience before you attend college. You can volunteer or get an internship at a local zoo to get hands-on experience in taking care of different kinds of animals. The type of animals you work with can vary based on where you live and where you plan on getting your education.
Some programs may be geared towards college students, so check in with your local zoo before you apply for an internship or volunteer opportunity.
You may need to start with an unpaid internship for college credit before receiving a paid internship. However, volunteering and working internships at the university level puts you in a better position to earn an entry-level position right out of college.
Most zookeepers have a Bachelor's Degree in Life Sciences, which includes biology and zoology coursework, but some employers may accept an associate degree with relevant experience.
Each program can give you the ability to take specialized classes related to the type of animals you want to work with. The number of available courses depends on the program. Therefore, be sure to know the educational track you want to be on when you enroll in the program. The good news is you can plan on adjusting your track if it aligns with your career path. Focus on obtaining skills that can help you determine where you want to specialize. This way, you can highlight the experiences you had and apply them to your resume.
Make sure that you tailor your resume to the position you're applying to. This is the best way for you to get an interview with the hiring manager. It can help the hiring manager if you list your experience in chronological order, especially if you volunteered in high school. Additionally, have a friend or a family member proofread your resume before submission to ensure it's error-free.
If you get an interview for a zookeeper position, it's better to be over-prepared so you can properly answer the hiring manager's questions. Take a look at a few tips for success during your interview that can increase your chances of receiving an offer:.
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